Photo by Laurie Skrivan (Post-Dispatch)
Cafe Natasha's
My son turned 1 as I researched this year’s STL 100, which meant many opportunities to pull up a high chair to one of St. Louis’ top tables and see what foods he was willing to try. No joke: Little man went to town on Cafe Natasha’s gormeh sabzie, the Persian restaurant’s signature lamb stew served over saffron rice. His sister, 5 now and an accomplished eater, demolished a koubideh kebab. Cafe Natasha’s bridges generations. Hamishe Bahrami and her late husband, Behshid Bahrami, named the restaurant for their daughter. Natasha Bahrami and her mother now operate the restaurant, with its classic recipes and, thanks to Natasha’s own passions, the area’s premier gin program. Next year, when my son is 2, I’ll see if he’s ready for Cafe Natasha’s beef tongue.
Hours: Dinner daily, lunch Thursday-Saturday (closed Wednesday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 1983 (as the Little Kitchen)